David Miranda, a Brazilian politician who fought for underrepresented communities, passed away at age 37 after a nine-month battle in ICU.
Miranda was a member of the Brazilian congress, replacing Jean Wyllys in 2019 after Wyllys received death threats and left the country.
Miranda's husband, independent journalist Glenn Greenwald, announced the news on Twitter: "His death, early this morning, came after a 9-month battle in ICU. He died in full peace, surrounded by our children and family and friends." Greenwald also shared a series of tweets and photographs to honor Miranda's life and legacy.
Miranda's life story was one of overcoming adversity. His mother died when he was only five years old, leaving him an orphan in Jacarezinho.
Despite this hardship, a compassionate neighbor, Dona Eliane, took him in and became his mother. Miranda was given a chance for a better life and went on to achieve great success.
Miranda played a crucial role in the Snowden story and became the first gay man elected to Rio's City Council at 32. He inspired many people with his passion, life force, and biography. Greenwald wrote, "Anyone who did will tell you there was nobody with a stronger will or life force."
Miranda was named by TIME as one of the Next Generation's Leaders in 2019, and he was featured in the magazine for standing up to Brazil's far-right government as a gay Black man.
Greenwald shared that being a father gave Miranda "the greatest pride and purpose" in life. "He was the most dedicated and loving parent. He taught me how to be a father. And our truly exceptional boys - with their own difficult start to life - is his greatest legacy," Greenwald wrote.
Miranda was hospitalized in August with a life-threatening illness from a suddenly inflamed and infected abdominal region that quickly spread via his blood to multiple organs.
He was told there was little chance he would survive the week, but Miranda refused to give up. He spent the last four months in the hospital, and his family was able to share beautiful moments.
Greenwald added, "David was singular: the strongest, most passionate, most compassionate man I've known. Nobody had a bad word for him. I can't describe the loss and pain. I'll do my best to honor his legacy: our children and our NGOs. And I know so many will celebrate him and his impact."
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